Surin: The Royal Thai Army, in collaboration with the Forensic Science Department, has initiated efforts to collect evidence from the second day of ongoing clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border. The operation focuses on identifying damage to ancient and religious sites in Surin Province, specifically in the Phanom Dong Rak District.

According to Thai News Agency, the Royal Thai Army continues its mission to inspect and gather evidence from the fighting along the border for a second consecutive day. This effort involves the Ministry of Justice’s Institute of Forensic Science, following the easing of border clashes and the clearance of military and police explosive ordnance disposal units to the region. Evidence collection efforts were conducted at Ta Muen Thom Temple and Wat Thai Niyom Phatthana Ram Temple, located in the Bak Dai Subdistrict. The damage assessment covers several points, including the eastern exterior and gate, the western courtyard, and satellite castles at Prasat Ta Muen Thom, as well as monks’ quarters and areas near the pavilion at Wat Thai Niyom Phatthana Ram.

For this joint mission, the Royal Thai Army received support from the Institute of Forensic Science, a central agency certified by various international standards, such as ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17020, and ISO/IEC 17025. This support ensures the reliability of the evidence collection and analysis process. A team of experts has been deployed to analyze firing trajectories and meticulously gather evidence.

These attacks on ancient monuments and religious sites represent a significant breach of international humanitarian law. The findings from these forensic examinations will be provided to relevant agencies for use in international forums, including filing cases with organizations like UNESCO to protect cultural heritage, pursuing justice through international judicial processes, and engaging in diplomatic efforts.